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Alumni Newsletter
January 2015 ISSUE

Alumni

Brian O. & Jasmina I. (RHC) look for a topic to share with the RGW clients.

AA & alumni members step up for Rosecrance adolescent clients

The Rosecrance Griffin Williamson campus hosted 12 hours of AA Marathon Meetings on Dec. 30, 2014. Each unit attended a 50-minute meeting chaired by several alumni and community AA members. Both Rosecrance alumni and the clients stated they enjoyed the marathon meetings.

This was a great opportunity for the Rosecrance alumni members to give back while enriching their recovery as well. One alumnus took a step back in time to his adolescent days: "I saw myself from years ago. It was troubling, yet truly showed me how far I'd come. My heart and prayers go out to the clients," shared Mike D (RGW/RHC).

Even alumni members from the adult campus were enlightened at the event. Lisa T's (RHC) experience brought her to a deeper level of what happens in treatment. "I was able to remember the pain I felt, express my gratitude for how beautiful and happy life is today, and let the clients know it just gets better."

Do you remember how much it helped to listen to someone who had gone through what you were going through in treatment? Here's your opportunity to carry the message and share your recovery with our clients who might be struggling.

"Suit up and show up" is an AA saying and that's just what Patrick W. (RGW/RHC) did. By chairing meetings, Patrick had the opportunity to be of service to others.

The next Marathon Meeting for RGW clients is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2015. If interested contact Missy Garrison, Alumni Coordinator at 815-387-2537 or mgarrison@rosecrance.org.

Celebrating Alumni Anniversaries!
Jim R. RHC 1 year 1/21/15 1/21/14
Jimmy P. RHC 1 year 1/17/15 1/17/14
Alyison M. Marlowe/Greendale 1 year & 7 months 1/14/15 6/14/13
Maria M. RHC 1 year 1/17/15 1/17/15
Nicole M. RHC 2 years 1/13/15 1/13/13
Rosecrance would love to know your recovery anniversary date so we can celebrate your successes with your fellow alumni! Do you have other news you'd like to share? Let us know!

Alumni Cafe News

Connections Counseling
Focus group scheduled for Madison Alumni Cafe support group

We are happy to announce that the Rosecrance Alumni Program plans to expand services to Southern Wisconsin in the coming months. A focus group will meet to obtain feedback and suggestions from Rosecrance alumni. Connections Counseling has graciously offered their facility for this gathering and future Alumni Cafe support groups.

The focus group will be held Feb. 25, 2015, at 7:00 pm, at Connections Counseling, 5005 University Ave, Suite 100, Madison, WI. For more information, contact Missy Garrison, Alumni Coordinator at 815-387-2537 or mgarrison@rosecrance.org.

Naperville
Naperville focus group to determine advisory committee, events and workshops

Naperville area alumni and family members are encouraged to attend a focus group Feb. 9, 2015, following the Naperville Alumni Cafe support group. Our alumni program is "Alumni Driven to Meet Alumni Needs" and this is your chance to offer feedback and suggestions. Topics include forming a Naperville Advisory Committee, as well as thoughts on area events and workshops.

Please join us at 8 pm (Alumni Cafe Support Group is held from 7 to 8 pm) in room 212, at the Community Christian Church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL.

For more information, contact Missy Garrison, Alumni Coordinator at 815-387-2537 or mgarrison@rosecrance.org.

Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake looking for Alumni Advisory Committee members

The Crystal Lake alumni will be determining their advisory committee members Feb. 24, 2015, at 8:30 pm, following the Alumni Cafe (7:30 - 8:30). Interested alumni and family members are encouraged to attend and help drive the Crystal Lake Alumni program.

Committee chairs make a commitment to provide their time and service, while helping strengthen the alumni program.This meeting will deterrmine committee chairs such as alumni chair, secretary, membership and family chair. Any alumni who has completed inpatient and outpatient treatment may hold an advisory committee chair position. Outpatient clients are welcome to help out with the events and subcommittee.

Please join us at the Rosecrance McHenry/Crystal Lake Office: 422 Tracy Court, Crystal Lake, IL.

Questions? Please contact Missy Garrison at 815-387-2537 or mgarrison@rosecrance.org.

Living Life on Life's Terms with 12 Steps

by Shivani K.

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable

Who else is a fan of admitting complete defeat? Anyone? Well certainly not me. See, I have this thing called pride. It's a pretty little force within my subconscious that tells me I am capable of doing whatever I want to do no matter the circumstances.

Shivani K.

And when I am challenged, my ego pays a visit. My ego tells me I can win the challenge, and when I fail to succeed time and time again, I am faced with my pride and ego's worst enemies: defeat and powerlessness.

Admitting I was powerless over alcohol and all other mind-altering substances was an entire process in itself. Admitting that my life had become unmanageable felt something like convincing a dog it could meow — impossible. People often speak of "bottoms" and knowing when they have really "hit their bottom," or in other terms, when enough is enough. The way I see it, your bottom is whenever you choose to stop digging and simply put the shovel down.

For me, the first step is something I must work through on a daily basis. It is easy after some time to drift back into thinking that perhaps you gained the power back. It is in my other behaviors and actions that I am able to identify my powerlessness and regain the confidence that without the 12 steps, my life would become unmanageable all over again. Though it may be the step that people battle with the most, it is step one for a reason. It will set the foundation of one's recovery if only they are honest, open, and willing.

Alumni Workshop Series "Emotional Relapse and Recovery" a great success

A diverse attendance of alumni and families members enjoyed another Alumni Workshop on Jan. 17, 2015, in Naperville, IL. David Lee, the founder of Intervention Services and Technologies, Inc., presented the "Emotional Relapse and Recovery" workshop.

David's presentation was clear and precise, including concrete examples of barriers that interfere with recovery. David shared his story and how addiction affects the user, as well as their family. David stated that "addiction is an emotionally based disease and without addressing the emotions, the disease continues to progress." He encouraged all attendees, alumni and family members, to step out of their comfort zones daily.

David Lee sharing his story with alumni and family members

Alumni Advisory Committee members,
Jenny S. (RHC alumna), Eileen S. & Danielle D. (RGW/RHC family members), welcome attendees to the workshop.

Several attendees shared how the information from this workshop will enhance their recovery. "It truly provided a whole new perspective and appreciation toward the program," shared an attendee.

"Alumni Tales of Triumph" needs your stories of help, hope and recovery!

Check out the Rosecrance Alumni Webpage and take a few minutes to read, look and listen to "Alumni Tales of Triumph", a digital book filled with YOUR stories of Help, Hope and Recovery. Enclosed in these pages you'll find stories, poetry, art and thoughts composed by Rosecrance alumni members to empower you on your journey of lasting recovery. You can find the "Alumni Tales of Triumph" at Rosecrance.org in the Alumni Section, then simply click and enjoy.

This is a great way to share your talents and enjoy other alumni's gifts. Everyone has a story, a talent, or a song inside them and here's a great way to share it. Submitting your work is easy, fast and can be done online.

Simply complete the media consent form, found on the "Get Involved" page. At the bottom of the "Alumni Tales of Triumph" page you can submit your work. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Alumni Coordinator at 815-387-2537 or mgarrison@rosecrance.org.
ROSECRANCE NAPERVILLE ALUMNI CAFE SUPPORT GROUP ROSECRANCE ROCKFORD ALUMNI CAFE SUPPORT GROUP

This Alumni Cafe meets every second Monday from 7 to 8 pm at the Community Christian Church (Yellow Box Church), 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL 60540.

 

 

  This Alumni Cafe meets every second Thursday of the month and every third Monday of the month at the Rosecrance Harrison Campus, 3815 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL. Alumni meet from 6 to 7 pm.
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ROSECRANCE LINCOLN PARK ALUMNI CAFE SUPPORT GROUP ROSECRANCE CRYSTAL LAKE ALUMNI CAFE SUPPORT GROUP

This Alumni Cafe meets every third Thursday of the month from 7 to 8 pm at the Rosecrance Lincoln Park office located at 2835 N Sheffield Avenue, Ste. 209 (ring buzzer), Chicago, IL 60657-5083.

 

 

  This Alumni Cafe meets every fourth Tuesday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30 pm at the Rosecrance Crystal Lake office located at 422 Tracy Court, Crystal Lake, IL.
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